A model demonstrating how performance incentives may encourage cream skimming (selecting participants with a high likelihood of success) was applied to data from 16 Job Training Partnership Act training centers. Short-term performance measures were weakly and perversely related to long-term impacts, but efficiency gains/losses from skimming were…

Lessons regarding performance measurement that have been learned since the inception of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) include the following: (1) performance standards drive program behavior; (2) performance standards should clearly reflect policy goals; (3) incentives get results; (4) keep it simple; and (5) performance standards are a…

The purpose of this guide is to provide state and local Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) program administrators with an approach to developing meaningful and relevant negotiated performance standards that will serve as a management and evaluation tool. The guide is organized in four chapters. Chapter I provides background information on the…

Contributing to the debate on the nature of the reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act, this report discusses three proposals that would establish standards of performance for vocational education and analyzes experiences from performance standards implemented as part of other social and educational programs, such as the…

This handbook presents the policies and procedures of the performance evaluation system for the State Education Grant (SEG). (The SEG is that 8 percent of Title II-A of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) designated for administration by the state education agency.) Chapter I contains the general requirements of the SEG performance evaluation…

The purpose of this guide is to provide local policymakers and program managers with an approach for using performance standards as a tool for reviewing and improving performance in Job Training Partnership Act programs at the local level. The guide is keyed to the Department of Labor adjustment methodology for activities beginning July 1, 1988.…

A study examined a series of performance standards issues in the context of employment and training programs targeted toward the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) population. Telephone interviews were conducted with representatives from the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) and departments of public welfare programs in nine states.…

This supplemental issue deals with local and state evaluation issues and methods. It includes articles on Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) follow-up, responsiveness to client needs, performance standards, training JTPA professionals in evaluation, and Private Industry Councils' selection of program deliverers. (JOW)

A study examined major performance standards issues in the context of employment and training programs targeted toward the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) population. Telephone interviews were conducted with representatives from Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) programs and departments of public welfare in nine states. A…

Total quality management (TQM) is based on the fundamental philosophy that it is always more effective to do something right the first time than it is to correct deficiencies. It seeks to improve quality and increase customer satisfaction by restructuring traditional management and organizational practices. Common characteristics of TQM include…

Shortly after the local jurisdictions responsible for administering the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) completed their transition year and entered into their first full year of operation, the National Alliance of Business undertook two major data collection projects. The 593 service delivery areas (SDAs) and a sample of private industry…

This paper looks at performance standards and related policies as tools for influencing the direction of local programming as well as ensuring accountability throughout the service delivery system. It suggests various ways in which the different components of the Job Training Partnership Act's performance management system can be used to promote…

This technical assistance guide was developed to help state policy makers develop performance-standard incentive policies that are effective tools in accomplishing state and federal goals for Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) programs. The guide is organized in three sections. The first section introduces incentive policies as tools to further…

This guide provides assistance in using two primary management tools--the performance standards and performance-based, fixed unit price contracts--to achieve satisfactory results in Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) programs. The guide is organized in six chapters. Chapter 1 reviews the original purpose of the JTPA and introduces the investment…

Because of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) program's strong emphasis on performance, there is a danger that local JTPA programs are neglecting the program's goal of adequately serving those with the greatest problems in obtaining and sustaining employment. A number of JTPA officials at the federal, state, and local levels were interviewed…